God is with you in all that you do

Now it came about at that time that Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, " God is with you in all that you do…" (Genesis 21:22)

As Abimelech saw in Abraham, do people see that God is with us in all that we do? And what might that look like in this day and age of ours? Is it what we do, what we say, how we act, how we respond to people or is it what God does in, through and for us? Or are these ways comingled together somehow?

We see in Abraham a man who has told 'stories' about his wife to save his hide yet believed God so as to pick up everything and leave his land for a place that he did not know. A man who longed for an heir, as he was promised by God, and yet gave into the desire to do it his way (with Sarah's prodding) through Hagar. A man who yet believed that even in his old age (over 90) the Lord's promise of an heir through Sarah was true and would be fulfilled. A man who allowed his nephew, Lot, to pick the best of the land and yet believed that the Lord would lead him to a land of abundance. A man who believed in God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness yet sought out his own devices when he was in situations that he thought the Lord was not able to protect him. A man whoimmediately responded to God's call when the Lord established the covenant with him and the sign was circumcision. A man who immediately obeyed the Lord when asked to take his son Isaac, the son of the promise, and offer him as a sacrifice. A man whom the Lord appeared to and spoke with and even 'bargained with'. A man who prayed to God and was answered. A man for whom the Lord gave dreams to other men that resulted in Abraham's blessing.

Such contrasts of actions and responses and yet people knew that God was with him in all that he did. Abraham's faith was seen in action and yet there was doubt intertwined - belief mixed with non-belief. Trust in God and yet not trusting Him. And then there was the evidence of God's intervention in his life - the blessings, the provision, the leading, the promises fulfilled. We truly see in Abraham the heart of God working in and through an imperfect vessel. God's loving-kindness working in the heart of man to accomplish God's plan. Even when Abraham 'got in the way' the Lord's plan was not annulled - the Lord's hand was upon His servant, even when it got ugly, to fulfill His good purpose.

So, what is the answer to my question? I think that we need to start with God (I know that should be obvious but in our present day we always seem to want to start with man!) - it is His plan for mankind and the world and we are invited to join Him - to partake in His glorious mystery. He is not obligated to us 'to make things happen' based upon what we believe should be - although He has obligated Himself to honor His truth and His promises for those who seek Him. So then, it is truly what God does in, through and for us that allows people to see that God is with us in all that we do.

Before anyone gets too excited about what you just read - we, as His creation, do play a part in this glorious mystery that is God's plan. He has called us to join Him, to be an active participant in His plan, to live a life of faith and trust. And He has provided us with the directions - And He (Jesus) said to him, "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." (Matthew 22:37-39) - here is the heart of who and what we are to be so that all who see us may say 'God is with us in all that we do'.

Additionally, knowing that we are just flesh and subject to falling short as we walk this life of faith, He has given us His Holy Spirit to guide us and lead us in this great and wonderful calling - may we be filled with the Holy Spirit.
''Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.' (Ephesians 5:15-21)

And the final consideration for this pondering: 'The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.' (Proverb 16:9)